The Trail of Portelas is a pedestrian trail described as a short route, with an approximate length of 14,7 km, of moderate difficulty and an accumulated unevenness of 864 metres.
The markings and signs comply with national and international standards. The trail begins in a rococo mountain sanctuary dating from the 18th century, the Nosso Senhor do Socorro (Shrine of Our Lord of Relief) Sanctuary, in Labruja. In this sanctuary we highlight the façade and the imposing stone staircase, flanked by biblical figures and angels, which highlight the theatrical character of the whole.
The great pilgrimage to Nosso Senhor do Socorro takes place on the 1st Sunday of July, gathering pilgrims from various parts of the Alto Minho region. Follow the trail and soon reach the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a rustic construction, surrounded by a dense grove of mimosas. This chapel was built in 1677 by Reverend Father Francisco Araújo. Back to the trail, follow the markings that will guide you to the right path.
The melody of the waters coming from the top of the mountain signals the proximity of the Labruja river, also known as the Mestre River. For a few moments, follow this crystal-clear river, crossing a small bridge from where the "Moinhos da Várzea" (Várzea Mills) are visible. Here we travel back in time, imagining the work of old, when the intensity of the waters gave life to the mills, part of the hard work of milling cereals, more specifically maize, the "king of cereals" in the Alto Minho region. When we reach the Ribeiro de São João (St. John brook) nature offers us its beauty, providing a unique moment, with several waterfalls. This refreshing moment is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the route, before starting the climb to Portelas. We cannot fail to mention the Mother Church of Labruja, dated 1893. From here we can appreciate the parish from a central perspective.
We resume our gradual ascent to the Chapel of Santa Cristina, protector of the depressions; her pilgrimage takes place on the 24th of July. On this day, the saint hears the cries of her devotees. From this point, we turn right, and walk for 650 metres on the N201. We are getting closer and closer to the Portelas, the Portela Pequena and the Portela Grande. The Portelas are "colos" (laps) of passage, safer areas to cross the mountains.
In the past, Portela Pequena was a passage used by the Roman legions. At Portela Grande or Alto da Portela we reach the highest point of this trail, from here we can appreciate the beauty of the Labruja Valley. Descending we enter the Caminho de Santiago (The Way of St. James). Walking now through a small part of the mythical Labruja stage, we will pass by the famous Cruz dos Franceses (The French Cross ) or Cruz dos Mortos (Dead Man's Cross), which marks the place where the local population ambushed the French laggards of Napoleon's army in the invasion of 1809. When we reach the road we turn left to go towards the Chapel of São João da Grova (St. John of the Groves), whose feast day is on June 24th. A bucolic place, which invites us to reflection and spirituality, immersed in nature. We leave this space behind and continue descending, to quickly reach the Porto Pinheiro bridge.
Once again, we walk enveloped by green scenery, full of life, which provides us with relaxing moments. Along the way, we can see, on the banks, several ruins of windmills. We take the opportunity to make a diversion, to the Chapel of Santa Ana, which has a beautiful picnic park, for a well-deserved break. There are the remains of sarcophagi from an ancient Benedictine monastery, which once existed nearby, to be contemplated. The Sanctuary of Nosso Senhor do Socorro, where our walk began, is getting closer and closer, standing out in the landscape. Here we come to the end of this beautiful walk to discover the local heritage, traditions, and landscapes.
Trail Name: Portelas’
Trail
Promoting Entity: Municipality of Ponte de Lima
Type: Circular, Short Route
Focus: Landscape and Culture
Arrival/Departure
Point: Santuary of Senhor
do Socorro, Labruja
Extension: 14,7 Km
Duration: 5h30m
Skill Level: Moderate
Maximum Elevation Reached: 409 metres (Portela Forestry Guard House)
Places of
interest
1. Sanctuary of Senhor. Do Socorro
2. Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe
3. Moinhos
da Várzea (Ribº São João)
4. Church of Labruja
5. Chapel of Santa Cristina
6. Portela Pequena
7. Portela Grande
8. The French Cross or Dead Man’s Cross
9. Chapel
of São João da Grova
10. Porto
Pinheiro bridge
11. Chapel
of Santa Ana
Point of departure
/ arrival
41°50'30.42"N | 8°35'38.00"W
